Materials engineering and design for fusion—Towards DEMO design criteria

Abstract Future fusion reactors will operate under unprecedented environmental conditions and will rely on the performance of complex in-vessel components during long term operation. These new reactors have key operational differences compared to existing nuclear systems and require new materials and new design criteria for in-vessel components. Within the EUROfusion consortium, several approaches are being taken in parallel: modification of existing frameworks and development of new databases, handbooks and design criteria specific for EU-DEMO operation. These adaptations and advances need to be considered within the context of the novel materials and multi-material interfaces being considered for the unprecedented fusion in-vessel components operational environment. The materials properties required for qualification in conventional nuclear sites are reviewed along with proposed pragmatic adaptations required for DEMO reactors arising from the potentially sparse fusion irradiation spectrum materials database. The efforts ongoing within EUROfusion to assess the links between materials engineering and design for fusion reactors are highlighted focusing on developments of new DEMO specific materials databases and handbook and DEMO Design Criteria. The efforts in EUROfusion are shown to form key steps towards new fusion reactor specific design codes.